Shoppers in Liverpool city centre were given bells and chains in an effort to reduce ‘pickpockets’ and ‘dippers’ targeting some of the most vulnerable people in the city, elderly shopper and mothers with prams and young children.
Over three consecutive Thursdays, staff at the mobile police station in the city centre met with the public, explained how the items can help to prevent opportunistic crimes. The bells can be attached to a purse, wallet or mobile phone, and if a thief tries to pick the items from a bag the bells will ring to alert the owner. Or, items of value such as wallets and purses can be attached to a handbag or to a belt using one of the chains that the teams are also supplying.
Over the three weeks 2000 of the bells and chains were distributed. The project was funded by Liverpool’s Business Improvement district and coordinated by Liverpool Chamber’s of Commerce’s Business Crime Reduction Team.
Business Crime Reduction Manager, Tony Jopson said: “We had an excellent response. Over 2000 bells and chains were given away to members of the public. It demonstrated that demand is there for simple but effective crime deterrents.”
Constable Sheila Morrison, Business Crime Liaison officer added: “We found that our target of older shoppers and young mums with prams found the items particularly helpful. The feedback that we got was that it was a really good idea. It also gave people the opportunity to meet the Police and talk generally about safely issues.”
